In Conversation - Salem's Bend.

Salem's Bend are a new signing to Ripple Music and their debut gets a vinyl release in early-October.  I spoke with guitarist/vocalist Robert 'Bobby' Parker and asked about the album, the technical processes of recording, and experiences playing live.

What can you tell me about the background of recording the album?

We recorded it during 2014 and finished mid-2015.  Initially, it started as an experiment with recording. I did all the engineering and mixing and each song was sort of an experiment with different miking techniques that I learned over the past six years of recording.  When I'd learn about a new technique, I'd want to try it out and so I would record a song that I'd written in the past couple years to test it out.  We converted our garage into a recording/practice room, with soundproofing and acoustic treatments that we built ourselves, so it was easy to get in there and record any time.

So I'd try out different mics on the drums, like the Glyn Johns method with four mics, or using eight mics with close mics on all the drums, or miking up the drum kit with only two mics out in the room.  For most of them, the drums were recorded on my four-track tape machine, a Teac 3440, except for one or two songs where I used more than four mics.  I'd then play back from the tape into ProTools to record the rest of the instruments.

Several of the songs started as a mic test, and if it sounded cool then it would turn into a full song.  I'd try different miking methods for my guitars and for bass as well, and I used a different amp or pedal for each song, just to experiment with different tones and to try to capture unique sounds for each track.  I've become obsessed with collecting amps over in the past couple years and have way too many, a bunch of weird amps, too!

After recording several songs, I realized that they sounded pretty decent, so I figured why not record a few more and have an album's worth of songs. Some of the songs started as riffs I wrote as far back as 2009 and a couple were written in the studio and created during the recording process.

Once I had the instruments sounding good, I then added vocals. I usually do vocals last and I'd also try weird effects like running my vocal track into a guitar amp with spring reverb and overdrive or whatever, just to try different stuff out.   

Final step was getting it mastered by a guy here in LA named Tom Rogers, and he was really helpful – we went back and forth to get the CD master.  Then Tony Reed did the master for vinyl and he's a well-known bad-ass, a heavy hitter in this scene.  

Sounds like it was something you wanted to get right technically, how does that affect the amount of time you get to play live? Is there a balance or as a band do you take things head-on?

It started out as just recording, so all the time was spent in the studio.   Then once the songs were written and put out there on Bandcamp and got some attention, it was time to take them live.  Kevin was down for bass and I met Zach and he was a great fit for the drums, so we've been spending all this year since the spring working on the live show and adjusting the songs for the stage.  The songs were written to be able to be reproduced live, and Kevin and Zach have really come through as a fantastic rhythm section and integral players for our three-piece.

What were you listening to throughout the recording process?

Throughout the recording processing I was listening to all sorts of songs, new and old. Lots of classic ‘70s bands were inspirations for tones and song structure.  I had found a bunch of more obscure ‘70s acts that really gave me great ideas, bands like Dust, Lucifer’s Friend, Cozy Powell's solo stuff, Dirty Tricks, Buffalo, and especially Toad – man, I love Toad!  And, of course, the classics like Sabbath, Priest, Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Motörhead, Deep Purple, Pentagram, etc.  But also newer rock groups like Witch, Kadavar, Uncle Acid, Red Fang, Mountain Witch, Mamont, Radio Moscow, Blues Pills, Graveyard, etc.  I could go on forever. I'm constantly listen to all kinds of music! 

The album sleeve is very bold, how did you come up with the concept?

I came up with the album art idea a couple years ago.  It's based on the wall of dire wolf skulls at the La Brea Tarpits.  I thought it captured the heavy aesthetics of the music and also subtly referencing the song concepts, which are based around ancient stories, retro sci-fi/fantasy books, and classic ‘70s heavy rock. 

You’ve signed to Ripple Music. How did that come about?

We got hooked up with Ripple through Bandcamp, basically.  We posted the album up in late-December last year and a guy named Bucky heard it and liked it and sent it to Todd at Ripple.  Todd contacted me in January to talk about it and I was also contacted by another small label, but Todd and Ripple seemed like a great fit so I ended up signing the album with them and it was a great choice.  So many excellent bands on Ripple and everyone is really nice and helpful.  They got us hooked up with a West Coast tour with KIND in June and that was awesome, so I'm quite happy with the choice. 

How about plans to tour outside the United States?

We would love to tour outside the US, one of the KIND guys told us that touring in Europe was a little better since the venues and promoters are a bit more generous, mostly, or have more of a budget for bands, so they pay a little a better and hook you up with free booze and food a lot of the time, which sounds great to us! We are just looking for any good opportunities and would jump at the chance to tour outside the US. 

How does it feel knowing the release is imminent, does it make you want to get back in to the studio?

We are excited for the release and to hear the album on vinyl, and I am definitely ready to hit the studio again for another album, I've got tons of new riffs and we've jammed out some cool ideas together during practice, so I hope to put out a second album next year.

Thanks for catching up Bobby, are there any new/up and coming bands people should keep an eye out for?

Yes, there are a couple great bands to keep your eye out for who are coming up in LA.  One is The Rare Breed- we played with these guys at our LA stop during the tour and they are radical!  They just dropped their full length album "Looking for Today" and its fuckin awesome!  Super solid grooves and riffs, they are a great doom rock group to definitely keep your eye on.  Another great local band who has been around for a couple years and should definitely be on your radar is Electric Parlor.  Excellent classic rock 'n roll band, definitely a must-hear, and our drummer Zach plays with them as well (he started the band with the other guys a few years ago). 

Salem's Bend S/T gets a vinyl release on Ripple Music on October 6th.

Salem's Bend on Facebook

Ripple Music

Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow September 2016 is now available to hear anytime on Mixcloud

This months show is now available to hear offline anytime on the Atom Heart Mutha Mixcloud or via the player below.  Septembers show was originally broadcast on BigJaf.net and Grip of Delusion Radio.
Theres lots of brand new tracks here,  as always all artists and labels are tagged on the Facebook post, if you like what you hear please support the artists by buying thier music.
Enjoy!

Track list:
Salem's Bend - Silverstruck
Bad Acid - Bad Acid
Ironweed - Give it
Old Man's Will - Ellington
Svvamp - Blue in the Face
Valis - Universe Inside my Mind
Dead Rabbits - I Don't Want to Die Today
Children of Leir - Shades
Baby Woodrose - Mind Control Machine
Mugstar - kabuki Skull
The Gaslamp Killer - Residual Tingles
Boobs of Doom - Nihilism: Thanks for Nothing
Throw Down Bones - A Premise to Action
Jakob Skøtt - Iron Nebula

For Nepal - A Charity LP Compilation by Evil Hoodoo Records.

On 25th April 2015, Nepal experienced an earthquake so bad that over 8000 people lost their lives, more than 21,000 were injured and hundreds of thousands were made homeless as whole villagers were flattened due to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
Thom Bettney runs Sheffield Record Label Evil Hoodoo, and at the time strongly felt he should visit Kathmandu (the worst hit city) in September 2013 to work with the ostracised widows of the city to help get work for them.
Thom explains "I experienced first hand the incredible generosity and love the people of Nepal have for visitors. For the two weeks I was there, I was made to feel like one of them, always greeted with a smile and a cup of chai. I met women who had nothing to their name yet they still offered me food and drink.The complete lack of greed has never left me and I hope has changed me for the better."
Thom concludes "When I heard about the earthquake, I was devastated and started to think what I could do to raise money to help with the aftermath and the immense clean up job to begin to rebuild the homes and businesses of the people of Nepal"





Thom began working on the idea of for 'For Nepal' by writing to and sending emails to friends in bands and bands that he loved in the hope the odd one might donate a track or in some cases donate one for the project. The responses were unexpectedly quick, for the chance to curate  idea; Thom was "blown away by the response" and as a result, FOR NEPAL is now a 88 minute, 14 track monster spread over 4 sides of vinyl.
100% of the profits of this record will go to the WHR (Women for Human Rights) organisation in Kathmandu. Since the earthquake happened, the ladies at WHR have been producing clothing and blankets and supplying much needed food for anyone in need and the funds raised from this record will go directly to helping this greatly needed source of aid.
You can find out more information about WHR  by CLICKING HERE
For Nepal is Limited to 500 records on White / Black swirl vinyl. Bands included are Mugstar, Gnod, Carlton Melton, Hey Colossus,The Myrrors, Sex Swing, Jason Simon of Dead Meadow, Dechemia (John Gibbons from Bardo Pond), Dead Sea Apes, Happy Meals, Spandril, Horrid, Winter Drones and Flamingods. Almost all of the songs have been made and recorded or donated specifically for this album which was Released July 11th, and there are just under 100 copies left at For Nepal Big Cartel

The songs themselves are eclectic, ranging from the brilliant 'Kabuki Skull' from Mugstar and the fantastic 'True Believers Version'  from Dead Sea Apes.  In terms of style there is heavy psychedelic music, there is also a lean towards the strange with the 12 minute long mantra of 'Centers by Dechemia; there is also moments of drone courtesy of Jason Simons and the shoegazeresque Sex Swing.  The album also boasts stand out tracks by The Myrrors and Gnod.  The album is well balanced in style and tone and a compilation works incredibly well as a whole.

Evil Hoodoo Records have curated something special here; the record brings together some of Psychs current Heavyweights and delivers one of the best Compilations you'll hear this year. There are less than 100 vinyl copies left so order now for £21.00,  use the links below on the link below as these are going to sell out very quickly, help support a good cause and treat your ears at the same time.



                                                                The Record Comes in this rather nice X2 Black and White Splatter Vinyl

Album Review Dead Rabbits - Everything is a Lie

Southampton's Dead Rabbits formed in 2011. Since then, they've been busy gaining a reputation as a brilliant live act. To date, they've played countless gigs and tours, throughout the UK and Europe – appearing at Eindhoven Psych Lab, Common People, Cosmosis Festival and have shared the stage with the likes of The Warlocks, Yuck and Crystal Stilts. This month sees the follow up to 2014s Time is your Only Memory on Fuzz Club Records.

The album opens with title track 'Everything is a Lie', a woozy swirling wall of noise with swagger; the layered guitars and vocals melt together in a glorious shoe gazing noise. 'Honestly' follows with a great baseline and an energetic drumbeat, keeping the record going, without dropping the pace.
'Get Me Over There' is more Psych in tone and holds a little hint of BJM's later offerings, whilst 'Someday' is slower affair, but are far more mesmeric. Side 2 opens with current single 'All Your Little Lies'; its a weighty track, again demonstrating the many flourishes of confidence that can be heard throughout the record. Standout track 'I Don't Want to Die Today' has a great baseline running through it, whilst the drums energetically drive the track on. The record closes with 'You Already Know'; feedback leads the way to a dazzling wall of noise and drumbeats; it's a fuzzed up noise of massive proportions, and a great way to finish a great record.

Dead Rabbits have upped their game this time around; this is an album to get lost in. Just like label mates The Cult of Dom Keller, Dead Rabbits have made an immersive and well produced record that will appeal to psych-heads and lovers of bands like Spacemen 3 and Loop. There's a mass of noise within the album continuing to prove that 2016 has been a fascinating year and there's a wealth of new music to be discovered; Dead Rabbits made an album that will delight fans, as well as introduce a new cohort to something great.  Play this LP very loud with, or without, headphones.

Highly recommended.


Dead Rabbits Facebook

Dead Rabbits Bandcamp

Fuzz Club Records Facebook

Fuzz Club Records

The Next Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow Goes out on September 10th

Atom Heart Mutha September 2016 goes live Online on September 10th 9pm Uk time as part of the BigJaf.net RockShow. The Encore Broadcast goes out the next day on Grip of Delusion Radio 10amEST/4pmCET/3pmUK.
More details will be available soon on the AHM Facebook Page.
Until then, enjoy a playback of September 2015s show from back when the show was called HeavyPsych, heres the tracklist...

Golden Void - Virtue
Out of the Earth - Need
Samsara Blues Experiment - Flipside Apocalypse
Secret Saucer - Atom Smasher
Sergeant Thunderhoof - Pity for the Son
Levitating Churches - Till Death Do Us Party
Jonathan Morgan - Kundalini Snake
Darter - Tired Nature
Hills Rise Again
Titan - Wooded Alter Beyond the Wander

As always, if you'd like to be considered for the show or LP review, please email me for the address to send promos to.

Enjoy !

Album Review...Zed - Trouble in Eden

Read this review on Midlands Rocks too !

A week goes by and there's another release from Ripple music with an album cover showcasing a six armed woman (see also Devil to Pay's A Bend through Space and Time) and this ones got a snake!
San Jose's Zed follow up to 2013's self released Desperation Blues has arrived. Trouble in Eden is their 3rd release and its a killer.

'Royale' opens the record with a weighty riff and heavy drum beat, rooted in the very best of heavy Rock 'n' Roll's heritage. The pace and style is maintained with 'Save You From Yourself' and 'The Only True Thing' both showing confidence and skill instrumentally, and vocally. Things slow down and get heavier with 'Today not Tomorrow' and demonstrate splashes of 70's rock, within its contemporary construction. 'Blood of the Fallen' shows off a brilliant stoner groove, whilst still going hard on the guitars and solos.  'High Indeed' builds on that formula and exhibits some of the best drum work on the record.  Standout track 'So Low' follows, taking in influences from the 70's to now, but forging something individual as the track moves towards its crashing conclusion. The album finishes with the mighty stomp of 'The Mountain' weighing in at 7 minutes; its a colossal monster that one can imagine slays the audience when played live.
Ive been lucky enough to live with this record for a few weeks, and the more I've played it the better its been. 2016 has been an interesting year within Psych-rock/Stoner/Desert/Space whatever scene; there's an emergence of artists that I'd love to see break out of where they are now and gain more worldwide exposure;  Zed are one of those bands.

As with pretty much all of label Ripple Musics current output, this is a band that deserve a wider audience and Trouble in Eden offers the band an excellent chance to breakout and grab some well earned attention; this record is great heavy stoner rock music played with confidence, by a band that are getting bigger and better. Absolutely recommended.

Zed on Facebook

Ripple Music

Album Review...Devil to Pay - A Bend Through Space and Time

Read this review on The Midlands Rocks website Here!

Devil to Pay are an interesting prospect; they've been around for some 13 years and are the brainchild of Frontman Steve Janiak. Janiak himself is a fascinating guy, having spent some time in a deep drug induced coma; his lyrics are described as being "from the other side". Following the coma and coming from strange hallucinations and flashbacks; there's a deep well of weird shit to draw from, and Devil to Pay definitely get stuck in.

'On and On (in your mind)' kicks things off with a great, fuzzy riff and some rather fantastic drumming.  Theres some cool guitar harmonies too; it's a stomping monster that leads nicely into 'Don't Give the World Away'; more great stoner grooves and a vocal and backing, not unlike earlier Alice in Chains, in places. The next track up is 'Kobold in the Breadbasket' and it's here that you hear more of the AIC influence that lies throughout a lot of the LP; not just in terms of vocal sounds, but in tone and tempo too, working well and not detracting from the sound or identity of the band, themselves.
Elsewhere, there's 'Recommended Daily Dosage' a speedy riffed rock banger, complete with Cowbell and venomous, raspy vocals. Following this, the stomp doom of 'Knuckledragger' all fit in well with pace of the record, grabbing your attention throughout. 'Your Inner Lemmy' is a fantastic tribute to  the late man himself and his band, with more than a passing nod to the distinctive  Motörhead Sound.  The album closes with the magnificent 'The Demons Come Home to Roost'; an epic 8 minute long marathon of heavy riffs and drumming that mixes Heavy Rock and Stoner style with head bounding success.
The LP runs at a decent 44 minutes and doesn't let up from start to end; the lyrics are pretty out there, in places, and are fitting with the sounds, its a great listen.

Label Ripple Music continue to have a decent summer; if you haven't heard the debut album by The Judge, that needs rectifying.  Label mates Zed release their new LP imminently too, and A Bend through Space and Time sits nicely between those two records. The Riffs are heavy and the grooves are tight.  There's something infectious about this album that pays dividends you more you hear it; fans of heavy stoner and desert rock will find plenty to enjoy here, this is the good shit! (fans of six armed aliens and nipples will find the album art interesting too!)
Get on it.

Devil to Pay on Facebook

Devil to Pay on Ripple Music

Listen to Atom Heart Mutha August 2016 online anytime...

The Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow for August is now available to hear anytime by going to the AHM Mixcloud Page HERE or by clicking the player below.
This month features a wealth of brand new tracks from albums that are about to or have recently been released.

This months tracklist...
The Judge - The Witcher
Slow Season - Miranda
Zed - The One True Thing
Brutus - Personal Riot
Devil to Pay - Don't Give the World Away
Killer Boogie - You Will Be Mine
Canaan -Foolish Blues
Monarch - Shady Maiden
Tau - The Trickster
Korai Öröm - Uj' Arab
Hashish - The light

This months show went out on August 13th on BigJaf.net and encored on American Radio station Grip of Delusion on August 14th.
As always if you like what you hear then please support the artists involved, check out the AHM Facebook page HERE for tags to the artists and labels pages.  Enjoy the show !

The Next Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow goes out Live on August 13th

The Next AHM RadioShow goes out Live Online at 9pm (UK Time) on Saturday August 13th as part of the BigJaf.net RockShow.
This month features a ton of brand new tracks from new releases by The Judge, Zed, Devil to Pay, Slow Season, Canaan and so much more.
You can also catch the encore of the show on Sunday 14th on American Radio Station Grip of Delusion.
Until then enjoy a playback of Augusts Show from 2015, back when it was Still called HeavyPsych.

Tracklist...

Gaslamp Killer - Nassim
Colour Haze - Earth
Parish Hall - Aint Feeling too Bad
Clinic - Internal Wrangler
Verma - Ragnaraak
Table Scraps - Motorcycle (Straight to Hell)
Sgt. Sunshine - When i was a Dog
Orchid - Capricorn
Lalo Schifrin - Scorpio's View
Hidria Spacefolk - Pangaia
35007 - Sea of Tranquility
Blood of the sun - Cold Blooded

Album Review...Monarch - Two Isles

Another month, another interesting release from the guys at El Paraiso Records. This time, the label, have put out the debut album from the very cool San Diego rockers; Monarch.
2016 has been an interesting year in terms of retro styled rock; particularly the sounds of the 70's and this summer has introduced us to some fantastic music; most of which have embraced the stoner riffs and camper van attitude of that decade to great effect.  Monarch have delivered something different, and more measured, and they do it with 3 guitarists.

Title track 'Two Isles' opens things up with a punchy intro before gliding into something more rhythmically, in keeping with a soulful Jazz vibe, this is aided by the vocals of Dominic Denholm and Brian Ellis's spacious production.
'Hundreds, Thousands, Millions' has more of that  relaxed feel but introduces a signature guitar sound, that runs throughout the record; it's reminiscent of the Allman Brothers, for sure, yet actually works well in cementing the bands own very distinctive sound.
'Assent' is a warm and rich track; harmonious in tone and demonstrating some beautiful guitar sounds and textures.  For me, it's certainly one of the records many highlights. 'Dancers of the Sun' follows the similar line and summertime, doped out glow.  Things take a different turn with  'Sedna's Fervor', a heavier track that grows into a great Prog-Jazz beast and shows another facet of the bands approach.
The album closes with 'Shady Maiden', a marvellous 10 minute long epic that shifts tempo and styles, from tight beats to cosmic jams with ease, whilst still finding time for that brilliant guitar technique.

Monarch have recorded something quite wonderful here; this is a dusky record with all the elements of hazy, smoked out, sunny, Californian evening.  El Paraiso say "It's about mood and texture as much as it's about the ROCK, and might just be the perfect companion for travelling somewhere, physically or mentally"; I won't argue with that.

Two Isles is available from El Paraiso Records; get in quick to buy the limited red and green merge vinyl.



Monarch on Facebook

Buy Two Isles from El Paraiso Records

Electric Moon Live 2015 - Zeiss Planetarium Bochum

Electric Moon need your help, and in return they'll blow your mind for 150 minutes !

Electric moon is the brainchild of German Space-Rockers Komet Lulu and Sula Bassana (like you didn't know this already!) with an impeccable reputation for Psychedelic sonic time travelling Jams and heavy motoric grooves at some of the best live shows this galaxy has ever seen.
The legendary Planetarium gig is now up for download on Bandcamp and features 6 tracks over its full two and a half hour long length.
What's notable about this gig is the unfortunate luck that Dave had with his equipment on the night; the guitar amp made noises throughout the set and blew completely at the end of the show. There were more issues as one synthesiser (Polysix) died at the end of the first track and one delay wasn't working at all, not that you can really tell due to incredible stagecraft of the musicians on the night.
This release has put up especially on Bandcamp to help the band pay for the repairs and replacement of Daves equipment to get them back out there touring where they belong. 10 Euros gets you the full set to download and enable to plug your brain in to listen to some outstanding immense and immersive cosmic Jams.  Each track creates an atmosphere all of its own and offers a different psychedelic tripped out experience; you'll also get to hear some of the best drumming around from Marcus. Theres a link to the player below so you can find out for your self, you can also hear some of the bands other brilliant live shows, this one was mixed and recorded by Sula himself.
So, please, have a listen and show your support to a band that truly appreciate it.


Track List.
1.  The Last Words of Mister P
2.  Air to Space
3.  Radio Contact was Lost
4.  Close Encounter of the 4th Kind
5.  Sunburst Odyssey
6.  Star Factory


Electric Moon Facebook

Electric Moon Bandcamp

Album Review...The Judge - The Judge

The Judge are a new signing for the mighty Ripple Music. Formed in 2010, in Granite City (Yes, that’s right!) Illinois; the band were a trio until 2013 and the induction into the band of front man Tyler Swope.  This enigmatic singer has a vocal range straight out of 1974. The band  released an EP last year, and 2016 sees the release of their debut record. 
The album opens with 'The Witcher', and within a minute and the passing of the first weighty riff, we are reminded of Paul Rogers, Free, and Led Zeppelin, in one glorious package.  By the time we are in the throes of second track 'Heepster'  it’s reasonable to surmise that the band are influenced by an era, not an artist.  All the style and wonder, from a time when Plant and Co, Sabbath and Deep Purple reined supreme, is present and correct, and it’s a wonderful thing. 

The pace slows a little with 'Evil Woman', a slow burning riff and mid-tempo stomper, with a nice blues rock solo, and the following freeform instrumental 'Tartaurus'. 

The momentum picks up again with 'Movin’ and Groovin’,a great rocker that plays out like an adrenaline fuelled Misty Mountain Hop and showcases the bands talent as a solid unit. The epic 'Planet Doom' follows and unravels itself over seven minutes as a mammoth slab of stoner blues that throws in the occasional sonic freakout.  Following multiple listens, this remains the standout track for me. 

There’s a short interlude, in the form of 'Suite of Jam', with shades of Golden Earring, before the album continues with the brilliant ‘Desire'; a track that cements this record as one the best straight up 70s rock albums you’ll hear right now.  It follows an immense riff by guitarist Dylan Jarrett, before smashing into a solo, that gives Jimmy Pages work on Dazed and Confused, a run for its money.
The album closes with the aptly titled ‘Rock Kickin’ Blues’ and displays the forever evident talents of drummer  Evan Anderson, who alongside bass player Kevin Jones, keep the album focused and tight.
  

If you're looking for a contemporary comparison, The Judge has plenty in common with the magnificent 'Westing' by Slow Season (also released this month) and so, once more, we are left with another enjoyable slice of heavy rock’n’roll.  All the hallmarks of great British rock music from the early mid-seventies are apparent and The Judge clearly take their influences from them stylistically and make them their own. The music is engaging and on point, you’ll be hard pressed to find another piece of Psychedelic blues 70s rock this summer this good. The Judge have delivered something worthy of your attention.

Read the Rated Review on Midlands Rocks HERE

The Judge on Facebook

Ripple Music

The Judge on Bandcamp

Album Review... West, Space & Love - Vol. II

Late 2015, and 7 years since their debut; West Space & Love reconvened to lay down some more, often improvised, tracks to form the basis of Vol II. This second experiential journey into Psych and Spacerock, drones with a very distinct Eastern flavour. The album was recorded in Stockholm and features 2 members of Siena Root (Billy"Love" Forsberg and KG Westberg) with Dr Space of Øresund Space Collective fame. The trio also draft in special guest musicians, to add extra textures.

'Floyds Dream' is a beautiful opener and as cinematic as its Tangerine Dream inspired name suggests.  Unfolding gently, over 11 minutes, the track incorporates sci fi electronic synths and sounds with a guitar style; akin to early seventies Meddle era Pink Floyd.
'Khan Paan' displays some brilliant sounds of the sitar, over a trippy drum pattern; the violin is introduced as the track moves on, adding a new dimension. Things become more experimental, in terms of the sounds of the synths, with '2002' as music swirls around a simple motor beat before the album returns, once more, to those eastern influences on 'Oscillations in D Minor'. The drums that kick in, at the halfway point, offer a stoned, slow paced beat; once more, revealing it's early seventies tones.
The album closes with 'Time Compression', another Eastern infused track with it's roots firmly placed on the Dark Side of the Moon.  There's a cohesive thread throughout the LP as a whole and despite a peculiar tangent on 'Pig in Space' (which admirably breaks into a killer beat); the album works as one piece, weaving it's way to its conclusion, with familiar styles and sounds, becoming one brand new entity.


As experimental as the record may be, it certainly doesn't show in its delivery.  There's plenty of focus, with much to enjoy and admire about the project, especially the sitar work by Siena Root's KG Westman, this is the far out trip you would expect from the players involved. In addition, there are some really well thought out immersive pieces; in particular,  opening track; Floyd's Dream.
I'll be looking forward to experiencing further adventures from the cosmic travels of West, Space & Love, hopefully they won't leave it another seven years for Vol III.

The albums out now on Space Rock Productions and available on CD as well as Black, White or Clear Vinyl.

West, Space & Love on Bandcamp

Buy Vol. ii from Space Rock Productions

Album Review...Slow Season - Westing

Read the Original review for Midlands Rocks HERE

Just in time to light up your summer, Californian rockers Slow Season return with their 3rd full length 'Westing' out on Riding Easy Records this month, a label that also boasts the Riff-Heavy Monolord and Salem’s Pot as well as the brilliant 70’s rock compilations ‘Brown Acid’.

Opening to the wonky riffage of ’Y’Wanna', the record immediately pulls into gear and brings forth a bouncing slab of fuzzy grooved rock, Hayden Doyel’s bass noticeably injects the track with a little something extra, this is exactly how all great records should start. ‘Flag’ follows suit with nice heavy guitar work over pounding drum beats, for those unfamiliar with the band, it’s the first time on this record that Slow Season’s biggest influences become clear. 
Those that still pine for the late great John Bonham can rejoice, drummer Cody Tarbell spends a large part of this record playing with the same style and panache as Bonzo but also manages to pull off that brilliant trick of making his sound contemporary and his own. ‘Damascus’ is a heavy psych rock piece, the great guitar work that dominates the LP from Daniel Rice and David Kent is never more evident than on this track and the follow on ‘Miranda’.

Elsewhere the album offers blues rock on ‘The Jackal’ and the slow stomp of Saurekönig, but its album closer ‘Rainmaker’ that steals the show; taking everything you’ve heard previously and mixing it together into one great big mammoth Stoner rock track complete with total freak out solo and uncanny Robert Plantesque vocals. The band have put so much of their own stamp on this sound and given that they’ve produced, engineered and mixed the album themselves they clearly know exactly what they’re doing.

And so the album resides somewhere between the West Coast and the West Midlands, there’s a great feel throughout the album for hard Californian 70s rock, but there’s no escaping the sounds of Zeppelin, not that it matters. This is a record that’s going to have a broad appeal, from Psych-heads to Stoners and to those that like great heavy sounding RocknRoll. It works incredibly well too, the albums an immediate hit and just adds to their continuing run of solid album releases, if you’re unfamiliar with “Mountains” and the brilliant self-titled debut from 2012, you need to get on them.

Slow Season Facebook

Slow Season Bandcamp

Buy Westing at Riding Easy Records

Ripple Music - 5th Anniversary Sampler on Bandcamp

Fans of heavier/Stoner Rock will find much to enjoy on the Ripple Music 5th Anniversary Sampler released on Bandcamp on 'Pay What You Like'. Theres a wealth of great music here to discover from the first five years of the Californian labels  history, as always if you like what you hear please support the Artists and Label.

Tracklist.
1. Devil To Pay – ‘Ten Lizardmen & One’ 
2. DoctoR DooM – ‘Relax, You’re Dead’ 
3. Mos Generator – ‘Lonely One Kenobi’ 
4. Ape Machine – ‘Angry Man’ 
5. Grifter – ‘Princess Leia’ 
6. Mothership – ‘City Lights’ 
7. Earthen Grave – ‘Death Is Another Word’ 
8. Trucker Diablo – ‘Red Light On’ 
9. CFA – ‘Built Up, Knocked Down’ 
10. Stubb – ‘Under A Spell’ 
11. Volume IV – ‘In The Land Of The Blind One-Eyed Man Is King’ 
12. Geezer – ‘Ancient Song’ 
13. Switchblade Jesus – ‘Bastard Son’ 
14. Space Probe Taurus – ‘Scorpio Queen’ 
15. JPT Scare Band – ‘Death Letter’ 
16. Poobah – ‘Bowleen (Radio Edit)’ 
17. Mighty High – ‘Chemical Warpigs’ 
18. Iron Claw – ‘What Love Left’ 
19. Stone Axe – ‘Old Soul’ 
20. Fen – ‘Miracle’ 
21. Leaf Hound – ‘Work My Body’ 
22. Weed Is Weed – ‘Weed Is Weed’ 
23. Modern Day Moonshine – ‘Expiration Date’ 
24. White Dynomite – ‘White Dynomite’


Ripple Music Official Site HERE

Atom Heart Mutha July 2016 is now available to hear anytime...

Julys show is now up on the Mixcloud page, you can hear it on the player below, this months show went out on July 9th on BigJaf.net and July 10th on Grip of Delusion Radio, the tracks featured were..

Cosmic Letdown - BeHepa-6
The Cosmic Dead - Human Sausage
Telstar Sound Drone - Drugs Help
Ghost Box Orchestra - Flutter
Föllakzoid - El Humo
Electric Moon - The Pop Art Accident
Agusa - Karlek Fran Agusa
Tuber - Desert Overcrowded
Spaces - Singularity
Psychic Lemon - Good Cop Bad Cop

Until Next Time, Enjoy !

July's Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow goes out live on Saturday July 9th.

This months show goes out live on Saturday July 9th at 9pm UK time as part of the BigJaf.net RockShow.  You can tune in and listen live online from anywhere by clicking on the Mixlr player below, that will go live when the RockShow starts.
This Month features awesome tracks by Telstar Sound Drone, Tuber, Psychic Lemon, Cosmic Letdown, Ghost Box Orchestra and much more.

As always the show will get an encore play on American Radio Station Grip of Delusion


You can also hear last months show featuring Slow Season, Farflung, The Cult of Dom Keller and Birth of Joy. You can see what you're listening to on the Mixcloud player...Click Play Now !

wwwbigjafnet is on Mixlr

6 Great Albums you may have missed that you can hear on Bandcamp NOW!

There's a wealth of great music right now that can be streamed for free on Bandcamp, some of the music below has been sent to me but not reviewed (due to time constraints), and some i have come across whilst listening to new LPs; all of it however is well worth investigating, enjoy !

Have a listen via the links in the descriptions below, if you like what you hear please support the artists and buy the digital/CD/Vinyl versions.

Jonas Munks solo album is a departure from the psychedelic stoner rock that his band Causa Sui are well known for, the album takes a much more electronic approach and using synthesisers and drones and delivers something with a great Kraftwerk feel to it; over the seven tracks there's a great freeform feel that also stay true to Munks psychedelic roots.

'Pan' is available from El Paraiso Records or you's can listen to it now on Bandcamp HERE

Brisbane's Indica released 'Stone Future Hymns' on digital earlier this year, lovers of stoner and sludge will find plenty to enjoy, the tracks tease heavy psych leanings  and the riffs are spectacular too.
German Label recently picked this up and have put the album out on limited edition Vinyl, this is well worth investigating.

Listen to Stone Future Hymns on Bandcamp HERE

Electric Citizen released their latest album 'Higher Time in May of this year, however 2014's debut 'Sateen' is absolutely essential listening. The band have a brilliant 70's rock sound thats deep fried in heavy psych, its difficult not to be taken by the incredible vocals of Laura Dolan and the albums a trip from start to finish.

Listen to Sateen on Bandcamp HERE

Bath's Sergeant Thunderhoof released the brilliant 'Ride of the Hoof' late last year, but before that there was 'Zigurat', a fantastic slab of heavy stoner rock  The album features the brilliant 'Pity for the Son' which was the first track i ever heard by the band and played on one of my earliest radio shows. Zigurat is about to get reissued on coloured vinyl via a kickstater campaign. Click the link below to hear the lp and find the band on Facebook to to preorder the reissue.

Listen to Zigurat on Bandcamp HERE

Readers of the blog will know that I'm a huge fan of the album Nōdo by Kiev's Atomic Simao, that album was littered with cool references to Jimi Hendrix amongst the fantastic Psychedelic rock. The previous album "Spyro' is a 15 track beast full of space rock and 60's flavoured heavy psych, the band are currently working on the next album, on the strength all past releases, you know its something to look forward to.

Listen to Sphyro on Bandcamp HERE

Table Scraps are a duo from my home town of Birmingham, dealing in direct and dark fuzzed up garage rock with a dirty punk aesthetic and a reputation for incredible live performances, 'More Time for Strangers' released in the summer of 2015 is well worth revisiting or getting aquatinted with for the first time. Great stuff.

Listen to More Time for Strangers on Bandcamp HERE

Album Review...Ghost Box Orchestra - High Plaine

Even more great music courtesy of Sheffield's Evil Hoodoo Records. Earlier this year, the label put out the fantastic ‘Phantamonium’ from Australia's ‘Hotel Wrecking City Traders’ (and if you haven’t heard that, you really should!)
The label are about to melt your brain, once more, with a new release from Boston's ‘Ghost Box Orchestra’.
High Plaine’ is the third, full length, album, from the Massachusetts five piece. The follow up  from 2013’s ‘Vanished’ offers some seriously intense psychedelic sounds.

‘Flutter’ opens the record to the sounds of an organ and a heavy, pounding beat with crashing symbols. The vocals that elevate the track dominate, powerful guitars break in, resulting in a heavy psychedelic wall of fuzz. The title track ‘High Plaine’ is another hard, heavy paced mantra; monopolised, once more, by a weighty beat and sonic vocals, giving way to blistering guitars. ‘Socrates Burned’ is a searing kaleidoscopic monster; another track immersed in guitars and organs, gripped by speedy repetitive drumming; dazzling stuff.
‘Wave Goodbye’ and 'Dead & Gone' are much slower and atmospheric; in tone both are cinematic, yet maintain the feel of intensity that lives within the album, as a whole, the latter has a beguiling echo like quality to the song. 
The album closes with 'Casuality Devotional' a wonderful 8 minute long epic that starts as slow burner before evolving into an almost trance like shoegazing drone. This final track explodes into a joyful, psychedelic wall of cosmic bliss;  a truly perfect finale.

‘High Plaine’ is a prime example of a band revelling in deeply focused music. The incorporation of atmospheric and hazysoundscapes built within songs is heavy stuff. The impressive guitar work and the move to bring the vocals more to the front, pays dividends. When the inevitable albums of the year conversations commence, this must be up there.
Essential listening.

Ghost Box Orchestra Bandcamp

GBO Official Site

Buy High Plaine from Evil Hoodoo